March 17, 2020 UPDATE:

In a Facebook post on March 17, 2020 at 6:30 PM, Volusia County Schools announced that all schools within the district will be closed until April 15. This extends the original closure of March 29. This decision was made by the governor and affects the entire state.

State testing has been canceled this spring. All extra-curricular activities are and will be suspended until further notice.

Parents will have the option to keep their children in the same grade in the next school year to make up for lost school days.

A message from Scott Fritz, Ed.D., Superintendent of Schools, Volusia County School District

In a statement published by Volusia County Schools this week, the Superintendent of Schools for Volusia County School District said:

“VCS students, staff, and families,

We received additional guidance this afternoon from the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) today regarding the COVID-19 coronavirus situation. Here is the new information:

We are extending our Spring Break an additional week. VCS schools are now closed from March 13 through March 29. School will resume March 30.“

Spring Break Extended in Volusia County Through March 29

The announcement was made that Volusia County’s spring break for all grade levels will be extended by one week and the children will return to school on March 30, pending further review and decisions about the spread of coronavirus COVID-19.

The superintendent went on to say:

“We will be cancelling all extra-curricular activities (field trips, sporting events etc.) during these two weeks. 

As for travel and school/work attendance for students and employees:

-We will delay testing for two weeks. 

-District staff has established an instructional learning plan should we need to shut down schools in the future.

-The CDC and the Florida Department of Education are recommending cruise travelers self-isolate for 14 days upon returning. This information is being shared with all districts. The notice from FLDOE today says, “Anyone who goes on a cruise, anywhere, must self-isolate for 14 days upon return.”

-Additionally, FLDOE has said, “Anyone who goes on foreign travel, to any country, must self-isolate for 14 days upon return.” 

-Student absences will be excused, and students will be allowed to complete assignments and tests. Arrangements can be made through the school once parents notify administration that their child will need to self-isolate.

We know it’s frustrating to have to consider a change in your travel plans or to have to make adjustments upon your return. Please understand that this is a rapidly changing situation. We are in constant contact with the DOH and FLDOE, and all decisions are made in collaboration. We will provide information as it is available.

We will continue to update you through the break via email. You can also find information on our websites: www.vcsedu.org/news/coronavirus-information, and our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Please try to enjoy this Spring Break with your family and know that we are all in this together.”

In his announcement, the superintendent explained that in addition to the extended spring break, schools will cancel all extracurricular activities during that time as well as delay all testing for those two weeks.

He also ordered that any students who go on ANY foreign travel during the extended break MUST self-quarantine for a full 14 day time period before returning to school.

For information on the school district’s plan for virtual education, click here.

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